Monday, March 11, 2019

Wat Arun : the most iconic temples in Bangkok

Wat Arun : the most iconic temples in Bangkok
There are hundreds of large and small temples in all of Thailand and do you know why? This is because more than 95% of Thais are Buddhists. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok, not only because of its location facing the sea but also because of its unique location. The architecture There are also many other iconic temples that should be on the list of all visitors. A visit to these temples is a superior experience in Bangkok.

From the other side of the river, Wat Arun seems to be majestically on the water. The fact that his photo is actually in the 10 baht coin makes it even more of a symbol.


How do I get to Wat Arun?

1. Take a boat through the Chao Pharaya from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho
Wat Arun is on the other side of Wat Pho. Therefore, a boat trip on the Chao Pharaya River is the easiest and most economical way to get to this temple. If you have ever dared to visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, it is a short walk to the Chao Phraya River. From here there are many ferries that will take you across the river for about 3 baht to Wat Arun.

2. Arrival at BTS Saphan Taskin from other places.
First, you can take the BTS station closest to Saphan Taksin (indicated by S6). If you are on a different route, change to Siam Station. Saphan Taksin is well connected with the Chao Phraya Express boat at the Sathorn pier, which can be reached by boat to the dock 8 Tha Tien (the same stop to visit Wat Pho) depending on the amount of attractions on each pier. . After leaving the boat, board a ferry that will take you across the river for 3 baht and finally comes to mind to Wat Arun.

Tips: The public boat works during the day. It is advisable to take the boats with an orange flag, run at a frequency of about 15 minutes and cost 15 baht (regardless of distance). There are also larger and less busy ships with a blue flag of 40 baht.


Wat Arun was the royal chapel and housed the Emerald Buddha.

In 1768, King Taksin traveled to Thonburi to build a new capital on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that it arrived just as the darkness broke in the place of the temple known today as Wat Arun. The temple was for a time the royal chapel and housed the Emerald Buddha before the capital and the palace moved to the other side of the river. It was not until the time of Rama II (1809-1824) that the current design of the temple took shape. The central "Prang" has extended even more to its current height, which was today under Rama III (1824-1851), and is now one of the most visited places in Bangkok.

The most important point of Wat Arun is Mount Meru, the center of the universe.
Wat Arun consists of a massive Prang (Khmer style) in the middle and four smaller ones that are covered with vividly colored pieces of Chinese earthenware and porcelain fragments from the time of Rama III. This unusual design feature seems to make the teeth shine in the sunlight. It is said that the greatest fear is Mount Meru, the center of the universe. At its highest level, it is recommended to climb a little to the highest level of this tower of approximately 73 meters in height. The steps are steep and narrow, so it is not easy to climb or descend if you are afraid of heights. If you do, you will be rewarded with an impressive view of the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace and the Wat Pho.

Although the claws of Wat Arun are the biggest attraction, they are actually only a small part of the complex, which also houses beautiful white buildings, sanctuaries, ponds and avenues. It is called the Temple of Dawn and the best time to take a picture of Wat Arun is actually the sunset from the other side of the river. Take some great photos that you want to keep forever!

No comments:

Post a Comment